July 22, 2022 is World Fragile X Syndrome Day, designated by the United States Congress in 2000 to raise awareness about Fragile X syndrome, the benefits of early diagnosis and to advocate for more research funding for treatment. What is Fragile X Syndrome? Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is one of the most common causes of …
In 2012 when Dr. Jon Wolff founded Genetic Support Foundation (GSF) he envisioned the newly formed non-profit organization would provide “unbiased, expert and compassionate care for patients.” Not only does this year mark the ten year anniversary of our founding but this week in particular marks the somber two year anniversary of Jon’s passing. These …
The New York Times published an important investigative piece this week, exploring concerns about expanded prenatal genetic screening. Specifically, the article focuses on the practice of prenatal screening for the possibility of a microdeletion condition in the fetus. The authors Sarah Kliff and Aatish Bhatia walk readers through some of the microdeletions that are often …
Stephanie Meredith has a long history of advocating for inclusive policies and resources for individuals with a genetic diagnosis. She is the Medical Outreach/Lettercase Program Director for the Lettercase National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute where she markets and distributes resources about genetic conditions such as …
Hello Genetic Support Foundation friends, followers and family! Genetic counseling services are not yet recognized for reimbursement by Medicare. As genetic technology expands and holds promise to improve health for all people, Medicare recognition is perhaps the single most important action to be taken that could ensure people have access to independent genetic counseling services. …
Mark Johnson has a long legacy of supporting the genetic sciences through his professional work and his service over the past thirty years. Having earned an undergraduate degree in business administration with a chemistry minor and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he began his career as a business attorney but soon turned …
Mark Johnson: A Legacy of Innovation and Leading the Way in Genetic Healthcare Read More »
In October 2020 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) released an updated practice bulletin regarding genetic screening and testing for chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy. You may ask, why is this important? Why or how does this impact me? Let’s start with, who are these organizations …
ACOG Guidelines on Prenatal Screening for Aneuploidy Read More »
Each year, cancer affects millions of people worldwide. In the U.S. nearly 40 percent of men and women will develop cancer in their lifetime. While developing cancer can be a concern, for many people, cancer can be prevented. Here are three ways to approach cancer prevention: 1. Know your family history. Research around hereditary cancer …
By: Cobie Whitten, PhD While uncertainty is inevitable, it is hard. We yearn for certainty and security about the future. This is especially true after we have encountered a potential threat to our health or well-being. The more we resist the uncertainty, the more pain we experience. By acknowledging and even accepting the unanswered questions and the …
Family health history is one of the most important ways to understand the likelihood of future health developments. While gathering this information is recommended, it’s not always easy. Compiling this information allows doctors and other healthcare professionals to see the bigger picture of health patterns that can be related to genetic and hereditary conditions. With …
Does it Run in the Family? How to Gather the Health Info You Need Read More »
